Cedar Point unveils 150th anniversary plans

SANDUSKY — Cedar Point is on track to celebrate its biggest year ever by adding new twists to guests' favorites, including the return of a boat ride.The park's vice president Jason McClure and communications director Tony Clark announced plans Tuesday to celebrate the park's historic 150th anniversary.The plan calls for celebrating the park's history and emphasizing the people who made Cedar Point the success it is today: the guests."The key to celebrating an anniversary is the people," McClure said. "Cedar Point wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the guest and associates."McClure and Clark announced several major developments, including new restaurants, limited-edition merchandise, new entertainment options and guest experiences.But the biggest news was the unveiling of the Snake River Expedition, a new ride for the 2020 season, near the Millennium Force and the Forbidden Frontier. "You can't celebrate Cedar Point's 150th without a new ride," McClure said. "We wanted a ride that engaged the whole family and connected to Cedar Point's history."The ride will use specially designed riverboats that are sure to bring back fond memories for guests who enjoyed the former Western Cruise and Paddlewheel Excursion rides.The ride invites guests of all ages to help Trapper Dan smuggle a valuable bounty through the dangerous Snake River. It will combine special effects with live actor performances to create an immersive experience.A few lucky people will get to enjoy Snake River Expedition and all the park has to offer for the rest of their lives with the Ticket of the Lifetime. The program offers people a chance to win admission to Cedar Point for the rest of their lives.It plans to give out 150 tickets throughout the anniversary year, and each winner will also get to choose three friends who will also receive free admission for the rest of their lives. There will be chances to win online, at the park and outside the park.Here is a rundown of some of the other announcements made:FoodFrench Quarter is a New Orleans inspired eatery that will start serving sweet treats to Cedar Point's guests during the 150th anniversary year.• French Quarter Confections — A New Orlean's themed eatery selling funnel cakes, waffles on a stick and more near the main entrance to the park.• The Mac Shack — A new restaurant near Toft's Ice Cream Parlor where people can create the ultimate mac & cheese bowl from fresh noodles mixed in a giant cheese block.The Corral will undergo renovations and menu upgrades for Cedar Point's 150th anniversary. • The Corral — New renovations to the Corral and an improved menu. • Taste of the Point — A special dining passport that takes guests on a trip through 15 food locations to taste some of the park's most iconic foods.Merchandise• Limited edition 150th anniversary products.• Free buttons and postcards for guests at the Pagoda Gift shop.• New buttons released every Tuesday to encourage trading between guests and associates.Guest Experience• Enhancements to the Town Hall to celebrate the park's history and encourage interaction. Planned exhibits, include Jungle Larry's African Safari, Earthquake and Rotor rides, Fascination and Hotel Breakers.• The return of the Courtesy Corp. at points throughout the park to help guests and answer questions.• An app-based guided tour of the park's history.• The introduction of Legacy Walk, where people can pay to have their names written on bricks that will be placed in the park's Midway.Live entertainmentCelebrate 150 Spectacular will include illuminated and interactive floats to celebrate the Cedar Point's anniversary. • Celebrate 150 Spectacular — A massive interactive experience that will include a parade with illuminated floats that will travel around the park and culminating in a street party near the Iron Dragon. Hosted nightly June 12 to Aug. 16.• Band in Residence programs — Local bands and musicians can audition to perform at different parts of the park during the anniversary celebrations.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterSnake River Expedition is a new immersive boat ride coming to Cedar Point's 2020 season.Cedar Point's Town Hall will be overhauled to include more interactive exhibits that celebrate the parks 150 years in operation.